Tornado Relief for Noah, Kelsey, and Soon-to-be Baby

I am writing on behalf of Noah, Kelsey, their dog Kermit, and their growing family: Kelsey is eight months pregnant with their first child. Last week, Noah and Kelsey were impacted by the tornadoes that struck St. Louis. As they recover from the tornado, gather the basics of what they need, secure stable housing, and prepare for a newborn, they could use some extra financial support from their community.

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The Story

Noah and Kelsey have been living in a condo they purchased in 2023 on the top floor of a brick building in St. Louis. Last Friday, May 16th, a mile-wide EF3 tornado with winds up to 152 mph hit their building. It was part of a devastating storm that caused five deaths and over $1.6 billion in damage in St. Louis alone.

Noah and Kelsey were home when the tornado hit. It developed very quickly and despite them diligently watching the weather, the tornado started on their doorstep. They sheltered in their interior stairwell with their neighbors. Thankfully, they made it through safely and unharmed.

However, it was apparent that their condo building had significant damage. They grabbed some essentials and evacuated to a friend’s home. When a second storm was forecast a day later, they returned to their condo and spent 12 hours packing everything they could into a couple of vehicles. They spent the next storm sheltered in their friends' basement, alongside their belongings.

Afterwards, their fears were confirmed: significant water damage had affected every floor of the building, ceilings had fallen in, and structural cracks had formed. The building has been condemned for occupancy and residents were told to retrieve their belongings as fast as possible. Noah and Kelsey don’t know when—or if—they’ll be able to return, but estimates suggest it may be at least a year.

What Now

As they look forward to the birth of their little one, Noah and Kelsey plan to stay in the area as their hospital, doctors, and birth plan are in place in St. Louis. This means that the coming months will take some juggling between preparations for the baby and establishing a temporary home that is ready for the baby's arrival.

As you probably are aware, Noah and Kelsey are self-employed. Since the storm, their focus has shifted away from work in a way that is not ideal. With their home uninhabitable, time stretched thin, and energy understandably focused elsewhere, their work is deeply impacted for the time being.

How You Can Help

Many friends and loved ones have asked how to help. While Kelsey and Noah hope insurance will cover some of their losses, the reality is that there are many immediate needs that can't wait for confirmation of insurance coverage—temporary housing, essential baby supplies, and basic living expenses.

If you're in a position to offer financial support, even a small amount would make a big difference. Any extra funds raised will go toward the baby's care and future.

Thank you so much for reading and caring. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the storms.

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Who wrote this

Kelsey and Noah's friends, Gus and Melanie, in St. Louis wrote the first draft of this message while Kelsey and Noah were sheltering at their home. The message above was shared with Sara Miller, who made a few edits and additions, and created this posting.